Artemis Lupine- The Complete Series

by Catherine Banks

  Jesse shook his head. “Koda saw us and Ares will smell us on you and his brothers.”

  The man in the driver’s seat said, “It’s probably a really good thing that we didn’t kill them. If Ares had found them dead, he would have started the hunt immediately. Now he won’t know until Koda and Matt make it back after waking up.”

  Jesse’s brow furrowed. “Let’s find a hotel.”

  The driver started driving again and then pulled into a motel a few minutes later. Two of the men went to the clerk and paid for a hotel for the night. We drove to our room and everyone piled out and into the room. Jesse held the door open for me and gave me a friendly smile. Aren’t kidnappers supposed to be mean and violent? My stomach grumbled and everyone looked at me.

  Jesse said, “Mark, go buy some food.”

  The driver of the van walked out of the room quickly and shut the door behind him. I turned to Jesse and asked, “What are you going to do?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not sure yet. For now, you just go sleep on that bed.” He pointed at one of the two twin beds. I’m not tired yet, and how could I sleep when my life was being discussed? I walked to the bed anyway and lay down on it. I could hear them whispering together, but they were too quiet for me to hear. A few minutes later, Mark came back with five bags of fast food and drinks. He handed me a drink and two cheeseburgers before going to the other men and separating the food between them. I ate my food and stared at the men holding me captive. They were all scary looking and yet the fear that was painted on their faces made them seem less intimidating. I wondered if Ares was really so bad that they should fear him this much. They were still talking an hour later, so I curled up on the bed and went to sleep. If I was going to try to get away tomorrow, I needed my sleep now. I closed my eyes and tried to get comfortable, but without my pack sleeping around me I was freezing.

  I awoke to find two hands on me. A small whimper escaped my lips before I could stop it and a man laughed softly. “I ain’t gonna hurt ya. I just wanted to ask if ya was cold?” I nodded, not looking at the man. He said, “I’ll get a blanket from the car. These hotels are nastay.” I heard the door to the room open and close, and then a car door and then the room again. I frowned. Had my hearing really improved that much? He shook out the blankets and then laid it on me. “There ya go. If ya need anything else, just ask.”

  I turned to look at him and asked, “Why are you being nice to me?”

  He frowned wrinkling his forehead and asked, “Why wouldn’t we be nice to ya?”

  I sat up. “You kidnapped me. Koda and Matt seemed to think I was in more danger of you all than anything else.”

  He smiled showing two identical dimples. “We’re hired help, but we aren’t scum. We were told to bring you to the leader alive and that was all. Why would we hurt ya?”

  I frowned. “So, you aren’t going to torture me?”

  He laughed loudly and shook his head. “Naw. We aren’t. Darn kids watch too much television.” He walked over to the other bed and lay down.

  I curled up in the blanket and closed my eyes. Maybe I could survive this. I had just started to fall asleep hearing the soft sounds of snorting when the bed moved. I opened my eyes, but stayed still. The bed groaned softly as someone climbed on to it next to me. I started to sit up, but a large hand covered my mouth and the man whispered in my ear, “Now you be real quiet, girl, or I’ll kill you.” I frowned. Hadn’t the other man just said they weren’t going to kill me? He ran his hand down my face and neck and towards my chest. I slapped his hand, and he grabbed my wrists in one hand, keeping the other hand on my mouth. “It’ll be easier on us both if you don’t resist.”

  He kissed my neck and then licked my upper chest. He moved my knees apart and pressed himself against my jeans. I whimpered, realizing what he was doing. He rubbed himself against the front of me and I lost control. I reached my leg up and kicked him in the side. Sometimes being flexible is a great thing. He grunted, but didn’t release his grip. He slammed his lower body against mine and I started crying. I realized now that this was what Koda and Matt had been worried about. I felt my body starting to shake and welcomed my wolf. She glared at this man trying to take advantage of me and fury radiated from her as she took over my body. My mouth changed to teeth as he started to kiss down my chest again. I bit into his hand, drawing blood and making him scream. I kicked him backwards and finished my change without any pain. I rolled over and snarled at him.

  He held his hand up and growled. “You, dumb bitch! I’ll kill you for that!” The lights for the room turned on, temporarily blinding me, and the five other men stared at us in shock. I jumped forward and bit into my attacker’s crotch, tearing through his jeans and into his flesh. He screamed and tried to hit me, but I jumped back before he could land his punch. The other men rushed forward and grabbed him.

  Jesse glared at him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  The man whimpered. “She bit me.”

  I snapped my teeth at him. Jesse’s eyes went wide. I jumped up on to the bed and sat down. Jesse asked, “Artemis?”

  I rolled my eyes and barked at him. The other men were staring at me with open mouths.

  Jesse blinked several times. “Am I the only one seeing this?”

  Mark shook his head. “She looks like Asena.”

  Jesse smiled. “I knew I wasn’t the only one seeing it.”

  Someone banged on the door, making everyone jump. I glared at the man who had tried to rape me and smiled as he fell to the ground from pain and blood loss. This was one man I wouldn’t mind killing. I sniffed the air and snarled. Vampires. Two figures in black cloaks floated into the room and stopped in front of the bed. One of them spoke, and I almost barked in joy. “Is this the girl?”

  Jesse nodded. “That’s Artemis.”

  The man lifted his hood back just enough for me to see his face and wink at me. Francois! He put his hood back down. “Why is she in wolf form?”

  Jesse looked nervous and started stuttering. “Www…well you see…”

  Francois held up his hand. “Enough. I see the wounded man on the floor. You are lucky that we are in a generous mood today.” Francois took out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and tossed them on the bed. “Change, girl, so that we may take you.”

  I changed back to human form and pretended to be upset, putting on my clothes and glaring at the man on the floor. I asked, “Could I take him as a souvenir? I’m sure your leader will be hungry so early at night.”

  Francois nodded. “You were told not to harm her and so he will be the price.” Jesse started to move forward, but Francois held up his hand. “It is done.” The other vampire, who I guessed was Jean Pierre, picked up the man and carried him outside. I followed them out to their silver car and climbed into the passenger seat. The second vampire stuffed the injured man into the trunk and then climbed into the backseat.

  Once all the doors were closed, Francois pulled his hood back and the other man did, too. I stared at the other man for a second then asked, “Who is he?”

  Francois smiled. “An accomplice. Now you stay quiet, and we can all stay pleasant.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean? Aren’t you taking me to Ares? How did you find me so quickly?”

  Francois drove down the road without another word. I watched where we were going, but had no idea where we were. After a few miles, I asked, “Francois, why aren’t you talking to me?”

  He shook his head. “I am sorry for this Artemis, but I must obey my maker.”

  My mind clicked and it felt like liquid was in my brain. “You aren’t here to save me, are you?”

  The other vampire laughed. “Save you? We are here to take you the rest of the way.”

  I glared at Francois. “Why? Why are you doing this?”

  “I told you that I must obey my leader. She is my maker, and I can’t rebel against her. I’m sorry.” He said softly through gritted teeth.

  I frowned. “But you’re a born vampir
e, you went out in the sun just now. How can you have a maker?”

  He smiled. “You’re perceptive. I was on death’s bed, and she offered me her blood, but in doing so, I became as enthralled to her as any made vampire.”

  I stared at the window letting my mind numb itself. “Am I going to die?”

  “No. She wants you alive.” We drove the rest of the way in silence, and I found myself becoming more and more upset. I clenched my teeth to keep from flying off the handle and pressed my cheek to the cold glass. We stopped in front of a small cottage in the middle of nowhere and the two vampires got out. I climbed out with them and followed them to the house. It was fully dark now, and I could feel the presence of a powerful dark force. I swallowed, as I stepped inside the cottage and came face-to-face with Isabella.

  She was still as beautiful as I remembered and still as scary. She smiled. “Welcome Artemis. I have been waiting for you.” She waved her hand at the table, which was covered in food, like a buffet.

  Though I started to drool, I shook my head. “No. What do you want Isabella?”

  She laughed, making me shiver in delight. “Straight to the point. I like that.” She walked to a small living room and sat in an overstuffed chair. I sat on the chair opposite her and frowned. She smiled wider. “As soon as I heard that Ares had a match, I knew it must be you. Your father disappeared so long ago, that it was apparent that he failed in his duty and kept you alive. I guess it worked out for the best, because now you are here.”

  I glared at her. “Why do you want me? I’m not special.”

  She frowned, somehow making herself even more attractive. “But you are special and that’s why I went through so much trouble to get you away from that horrid Ares. He wouldn’t use your abilities like he is supposed to.”

  She was confusing me. “Abilities? You mean changing to a wolf?”

  Isabella gasped. “You do not know? You are not simply a wolf, but also Sidhe.”

  I frowned. “What’s that?”

  She smiled. “The humans call them fairies, I believe.”

  I stared at her. “Fairies? Like, wings and magical powers, fairies?”

  She tilted her head. “Yes. Your mother is a very powerful Sidhe warrior. I knew when I saw your eyes who you were, and I knew I had to have you.”

  I frowned. “Why would you want me? You’re a woman.”

  She laughed again, making me think of nefarious things. Vampires’ voice powers are no joke in real life. “I do not want you for children, silly girl, but for your powers. You are going to help me take over this pathetic planet and push the wolves back to their proper place —as servants.”

  I folded my arms over my chest. “Does Maurice know what you are doing?”

  She waved her hand dismissively at me. “Do not worry about the king. Francois, here, will be working with you on your powers. As soon as you have gained them, we will move to the next step.”

  The second vampire brought in the man who had attacked me and threw him down on the ground between Isabella and me. I snarled at him and she smiled. “You seem displeased with this man.”

  I nodded. “He tried to rape me.”

  She hissed. “I gave them specific instructions not to harm you.” She stood up and picked the man up off of the floor. She easily held him with one hand, and stared into his eyes. “Did you harm her?”

  The man whimpered. “Please, beautiful queen, do not kill me.”

  She frowned. “Your lack of denial is an omission.” She stood him up and smiled. I felt her power pulsating against him and groaned. She ran her fingertip along the man’s cheek. “You disobeyed me, wolf.” The man smiled happily, as though she called him her favorite pet name. She kissed his cheek then leaned his head back. Horror gripped me as her fangs extended, and she plunged them into his neck. He stayed still as she drank from him. I put my hand over my mouth to keep from vomiting and forced myself to watch. The man’s eyes grew dimmer and dimmer until, with one last suck, the light disappeared from his eyes. I gasped as she let his body ago and it crumpled, lifeless, to the floor. “Clean that up, please Francois.” She turned back to me and smiled, showing her bloody fangs. “Consider that retribution for the stress and pain he caused you. Now I must leave, but you must work hard and focus on your powers.” She started to walk away, and I cleared my throat.

  She turned around and frowned at me. I asked, “What if I refuse to help?”

  She laughed, making me think of nefarious things. “That is not an option. You will help me or you die. It’s as simple as that, mon cheri. Adieu.”

  I watched her retreating back and felt hopeless. How could I have powers besides my werewolf ones? Could I really be a fairy? I looked over my back and frowned. No wings. The second vampire took the dead man’s body out of the house. Francois smiled at me. “You should eat, Artemis.”

  I glared at him, but walked over to the table, no longer able to resist my hunger. I ate the food quickly, then folded my arms on the table. “What if I don’t have powers?”

  Francois frowned. “Then you will die. For now, let’s think positive thoughts.”

  I scoffed. “Positive? Like I might escape and get to watch Victor tear you into pieces?”

  Francois sighed. “I know you do not understand about my kind, but we have no choice but to do as our maker tells us. I am sorry, but we must begin your training.” He sat across the table from me and frowned. “Put your palms face up and focus on them. You should be able to put energy in your palms and make fire.”

  “Fire… in my hands?” I asked doubtfully.

  He lifted a brow. “You should be able to make fireballs.”

  I smiled and then frowned. Why didn’t I get to learn the cool stuff when I was with Ares? I stared at my palms and pictured a flame. I clenched my eyes tight and wished for warmth or fire to my hands. I sat still for a few minutes, but nothing happened. I exhaled and looked at Francois. “Nothing’s happening.”

  He shrugged. “Perhaps fire is not your element.” I was beginning to hate hearing French accents. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Try picturing the ocean and see if you can make a water ball.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “A water ball? How is that useful?”

  He sighed. “Just do it!”

  I frowned at him, but focused on my hands. Then minutes later, I groaned.

  He frowned in thought. “Hmm…maybe too much has happened today. Perhaps you should go to bed and try again tomorrow.”

  I sighed. “Great.” I walked up the stairs and then stopped at the top. “Uh, where’s my bedroom?”

  He smiled. “Second door on the left.” I started up again when he called to me. “And Artemis, don’t even think about trying to escape. Andre and I have excellent hearing and are very light sleepers.”

  “Whatever. Stupid bloodsuckers.” I mumbled the last as I walked into the bedroom that served as my prison. I plopped down on the bed and stared at the wood ceiling. Would Ares find me? Would he even be looking? I heard the front door open and shut, but ignored it. I rolled onto my side and closed my eyes, finally getting a peaceful night’s rest. I awoke the next morning to the front door opening and closing again. I sat up and stretched my arms over my head. What now? Go downstairs and try to gain powers I don’t have? Perfect. Maybe death would be better. I walked down the stairs and sat in the head chair of the dining table. “I’m hungry.”

  Andre frowned at me, but went into the kitchen. Francois sat down at the table, wearing a new set of clothes. He smiled. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Like a captive who’s hungry,” I grumbled. Andre walked back into the room carrying a large tray of pancakes and bacon. I smiled. “Andre, if you weren’t one of my prison guards, I would kiss you.”

  He set the tray on the table, flashed his fangs at me and walked away. I ate the food until I couldn’t eat anymore and relaxed against the chair. Francois smiled. “Ready to begin your lessons again?”

  I sighed. “Wouldn’t it be better if
someone with experience helped me? You know, someone who was also Sidhe?”

  He frowned. “The Sidhe are not exactly friendly with the vampires. Besides, you can do it without their help. Just focus.”

  Although I didn’t think I had the powers they were talking about, I was curious to try. Darren should have taught me about this, or Ares. Why did the bad guys have to be the ones to teach me?

  I put my palms face up on the table. I focused on them and thought of fire, but after an hour with nothing happening, I grew tired. “I can’t do it. Maybe I don’t have magic.”

  “Well, it is lunch time, so maybe you just need food.”

  I groaned and stood, stretching my body. Andre walked in carrying a tray of food for me and two wine bottles for them. Although by now I knew it wasn’t wine in the glasses. I ate my food in silence and stared at my prison guards. “How long will she keep me alive, if I don’t have magic?”

  Andre shrugged. “Your fey magic isn’t all that she wants.”

  I frowned. “What did you call my magic?”

  Andre looked at me as though I’d just asked what a foot was. “Fey is another term for the Sidhe or fairies. I can’t believe Darren never told you about all of this. It is somewhat important.”

  “You knew my father?” I asked.

  Andre sighed. “I fought with him in a battle once. He was a good fighter, but a bastard.”

  I scoffed. “Tell me about it.”

  Andre studied my face. I squirmed in my chair at his inquisitive stare. “Did you live with the humans like they say?” he asked.

  I let out a slow breath. “I did. I went to school with them and played with them. I thought I was one of them.”

  Andre asked, “What are they like?”

  I shrugged. “Most of the other students didn’t like me. Ares said it was because they instinctively knew I was a predator. But there were a couple who accepted me for me and were great.” I sighed remembering Bret.

  I finished eating and leaned back in my chair. I snapped my fingers and imagined a flame like a lighter. Nothing happened though and no matter how good my imagination was, I just didn’t feel magic in me. My wolf stirred inside me, making me gasp. Francois frowned. “None of that.”